The term “heart dog” has become increasingly widespread over the last decade or so. Often referring to a special canine-human bond, a heart dog is that pup in your life who you’ve created a one-of-a-kind relationship with.
One might say that a heart dog offers companionship and love like no other creature can. Let’s explore the definition of “heart dog”, and what exactly this kind of relationship encompasses.
What is a heart dog?
My heart dog is Wynston. This is probably no surprise to those of you who have been following our journey for a while. Although I have five beautiful, amazing animals, Wynston is my “one and only.” I describe him as “my everything, my world.”
A heart dog can be compared to a human soulmate – you know that one person that you’ve found whom you want to spend the rest of your life with? A heart dog is similar.
I would absolutely say that Wynston is my canine soulmate. I literally include him in every aspect of my life. I take his well-being into consideration before everything. A heart dog is that doggo who you could probably never compare another dog to. I always say that I will most likely not get another Chihuahua when Wynston passes away because there’s no way one could compare to him. It wouldn’t be fair to that other dog because I’d have preconceived notions about how I’d think they should behave and act.
Some people may not realize they have a heart dog until said dog leaves this Earth. You may not understand just how precious of a relationship you have with a dog until it’s gone. This is understandable, but it’s beneficial to realize you have a heart dog before they leave you. Why? Because you can cherish and embrace that bond while it’s still in existence.
How do I know if I have or have had a heart dog?
I like to say that I love my dogs equally, but I love Wynston differently. He’s the one I snuggle with at night. He’s the one I NEED to sleep with in my bed. He’s the one I love going on adventures with. He’s the one I take shopping and bring on lunch dates. Do you have a dog like this?
If you’re still grieving the loss of a dog whom passed away years ago, they may have been your heart dog. My cat Edison ran away in 2013 and I still cry over him. I’m still grieving. He was without a doubt my heart cat.
A heart dog is that one incredible canine who comes around once in a lifetime and completely changes everything. That dog is your heart. They fulfill the role of offering unconditional love and they close any gaps of loneliness.
It didn’t become apparent to me that Wynston was my heart dog until Khloee came into the picture. I realized that I had an incomparable bond with Wynston. It’s become more and more obvious to me over the years that Wynston is my heart dog. I’ve embraced it to the point of encouraging others to delve deeper into their relationships with a heart dog because it’s such an amazing phenomenon. I want to nurture the bond I have with Wyn while he’s alive, that way when he passes I know that I literally lived my life with him to the fullest extent.
Not everyone gets to experience the relationship with a heart dog. I believe you need to be open to the idea and possibility. Perhaps you’ve had dogs for a long time but you’re still waiting for your heart dog to come into the picture. If you have or have had a heart dog, tell me about them in the comments!
My heart dog was our Dalmatian Mollymae. She passed away in 2011 at the age of 14. We adopted her from the Denver Dumb Friends League when she was just 1. Like your cat Edison I still grieve over Molly. She loved to be outdoors sunning herself but only if you left the back door open so she could come in and check on you. She was a great companion when you were feeling low. She loved to go for car rides and would sit shotgun in the passenger seat. Molly still hold my heart even though we have had or currently have other dogs.
I’m so sorry about the loss of Molly. I do know the pain all too well.
My heart dog was my first husky, Dakota. He was only with me for 4 short years. He was let out by a family member and hit by a vehicle right in front of me. It still haunts me to this day. I held him as he passed. I look back at pictures of us and I can see the love he had for me in his eyes. It was indescribable. I still cry over him and it’s been 6 years.
I was given the opportunity to have another, if that’s even possible. His name is Samson and he looks very similar to my Dakota. I see the way he looks at me and it reminds me of the way Dakota always did. It’s as if Dakota sent him to me to heal my heart and protect me. (Samson was born 2 months after Dakota passed) He never leaves my side. He trusts me, he loves me, and he understands me. I feel so lucky to have known 2 heart dogs in my life
There is plenty of great dog information on this site !
My heart dog was an akita border collie mix. She was a rehome and was 7 when i got her. We did everything together, she was my best friend, i got her because i was going thru a divorce and my ex at the time, kept the 2 dogs that were mine. I happened to find her thru a rescue group. She was only with me just a little over 3 years. In january 2020 i had this little voice ask me what would i do i lost her. Well, within barely 3 months i found a lump by her left font leg. Well to shorten this, she ened up having a mast cell tumor. It was malignant, so we did surgery, hoped we had gotten it all, but just after her 2 week follow up, it was coming back. Her surgery was the middle of august 2020. It was more aggressive and by the first pat of october it was almost as big as her origina rumor. It was bleeding most of the time and i was not able to keep it bandaged. She was a trooper thru it all, always had a smile, but on october 8th,she lost her battle as i was not going to let her suffer.
I have other pets, and in fact just after i lost her do to a facebook post by my son and daughter, my ex contacted my daughter and ask if i would take them kuz he no longer had time for them. I love them and the others, but it is not the same, the feelings are not the same.
I also lost a dog this year, in June, who had a similar mix; 53% Collie, 38% Border Collie and 9% Akita. His name was Boz. It was also cancer. He was my heart dog in part because he was so smart, but mostly because he insisted on engaging with me constantly. Other people saw him as exhausting, but it meant that we had a very close bond. He was 13 when he passed and I had him for all but the first 9 months of his life. He left this world licking the tears out of my eyes.
I am so, so sorry.
Luna is absolutely my heart dog. There is something about our relationship that I wouldn’t expect from any other dog now or in the future. I also love Ralph, but like you said – differently. Because I had such a deep connection to Luna first, it actually took me a while to find the ways I love Ralph too. Now I’m so thrilled to have them both in my life.
I totally get that. I was like that when Khloee came into my life!
My heart dog is called Hoodie. I rescued him when I was 22 as a 1o week old pup flea ridden, malnourished, and with a puss filled sore on his back. I got him right before going through a really intense and emotionally traumatic time so maybe my bond with him formed so deeply because he was exactly what I needed to get through it. He’s almost 3 years old now and he is my best friend, my baby boy, my entire heart. When we make eye contact I feel like we are reading each others minds. My friends say that his personality is just like mine. He exaggerates his yawns, makes the same noises when he stretches,, and sits the same way I do! It’s so weird. If I wake up from a bad dream he outstretches his paw to touch my chest.
I think about him several times a day when I’m at work and cry when I have to leave him for more then a couple of days. I drive 6 hours to my parents house to let them babysit him instead of boarding him at a kennel because I know he would be ill with fear if left at a kennel.
I’m already fearing the day Hoodie leaves me. I want him to be there with me when I’m old and gray. I’ve loved dogs my whole life and grew up with family dogs but he is definitely my heart dog.
Elizabeth, you’re a dog mom after my own heart. Sounds exactly my relationship with Wynston. I would absolutely drive 6 hours to leave Wyn with my parents if I had to also. I fear the day Wynston leaves this Earth. I’m not sure how I’ll get through without him. In the meantime, I work to cherish the present moments and make memories. Thanks for sharing! xoxo
My sweet Simon was no doubt my heart dog. I knew it when he was with me, and I know it more deeply since he crossed the Rainbow Bridge earlier this month. I never felt so loved by a living being. No matter what my mood, that dog was there for me. We just got each other.
Wherever I was in the house, he was at my feet. The two of us had a bond that was so strong. We have another dog, but it’s not the same. He lived an amazing life and we had adventures all over the state of Colorado including climbing many peaks together. He was my heart and soul, and even though he lived to 16 years of age, I miss him so much. I’ve never cried as much or grieved as much.
Leslie, I’m incredibly heartbroken for you. It sounds like Simon lived a wonderful life with you, and a LONG one at that! That’s amazing! I will absolutely be grieving badly and for a loooong time when I lose my Wynston. Prayers for you. xoxo
My heart dog was Cocoa. Search Cocoa’ journey on Facebook and it tells her story for the last 6 yrs. I recently had to put Cocoa to sleep. She had stones in her bladder and because she was paraplegic surgery wasn’t an option. All I can say right now is I am totally devastated and my heart is shattered
Oh Debbie, my heart is breaking for you. I’m so sorry to hear the news. Praying for you during this incredibly difficult time. xoxo
When getting a dog you see a friend but when that dog turns into a piece of your soul and touches your whole heart they become much more than a dog. When you spend 10 years day in and day out with that dog you never actually imagine life without them until you’re told they have cancer and they CAN’T FIGHT IT! Layla has been my shadow her whole life, from bathroom breaks, showers, a sneak walk to the neighbors or just waiting on the curb for the bus. There will NEVER be another Layla, there will never be a 10 year span where I get to spend this quality time with my soul pet. I am heartbroken to say the least. Pray she most importantly stays comfortable and we can tell when she isn’t ❤ furever my soul pet🖤 Layla is my heart Dog.
Thank you for sharing your story of Layla with us!
I have my heart dog with me now as well, Duffy, my now 12 year old Havanese. I’ve always felt bonded to him differently, even with two children I still include him in all aspects and will do anything for him. He has had cancer, his spleen removed from a mass that was benign, and still runs around like a pup at heart and it melts me. I have two other dogs and a cat as well, I love them all but just like you this is a much different bond and love I have for Duffy, I refer to Him as my tiny little soulmate. When I come across others who love their fur babes just as I do him, it makes my heart so happy, thank you for sharing your story.
My heart is Roxy. She is a long haired dachshund and she is just the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. When she was a baby she was so scared of everything and she stayed against my heart most of the time. Through a lot of games, she came out of her shell and now she is fearless. My mom tells me our relationship is truly special because we just know each other in a way that most people don’t know each other. If I am upset or hurt it’s like she has a panic attack and she won’t let anyone near me till she knows I’m ok. If I’m depressed she is too and if she can’t find me, she will break down doors to get to me if she thinks something is wrong. She’s a very quiet girl so when something makes her yelp, I cry too and it’s almost like I feel it too. Nothing she could ever do would ever make me mad and I used to have a terrible temper. She saved my life when she showed up. I didn’t know how truly sad and depressed I was until her. She lit up my life in a way that goes beyond anything another person could give me and I think I’d literally do anything for her. Never had anything or anyone that meant this much to me. I have her paw print on my wrist because I don’t think I will ever come across this type of love ever again. She made me believe in love in the first place and I’m grateful for her every day.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Kim. It sounds like you do have an incredible bond with Roxy, and that makes me so happy for you!
Hazel is my heart soul and mind…I never thought it was possible to love something so much. She is a rescue crime a dog rescue group. Since she gently grabbed my hand in her mouth through the fence I knew she was it..
My heart dog is Sleet. a lab mix. We adopted him 13 years ago from a local shelter. He was supposed to be for my 10-year-old son, but we know how THAT turns out. Anyway, Sleet and I have a deep emotional bond, and are able to communicate with each other in various ways. My husband passed away earlier this year, and Sleet has been a source of comfort, knowing when I’m grieving and needing a helpful paw. I call him my “White Shadow” because he follows me everywhere. Thanks for allowing me to share.
Amy, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. My deepest condolences. But I am so, so glad that you have Sleet! Dogs are an immense source of comfort in any situation, and that’s such a blessing. Thanks for sharing with me!
I didnt tell you all , but her name was kota. She was the akita border collie with mast cell tumor.
Thank you, Diana
My boyfriend adopted our sweet girl before I came into the picture.. lets just say now she’s my soul dog 100%. I lost my fiance before I got with her dad and it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to face but as soon as we met Maggie was mine. It was like she knew that she wanted me to be apart of her world he had never seen her so happy or excited to see someone and till this day when we get home she gets so excited to see me she goes right for me before saying hi to her dad. She isn’t into meeting new people but with me it was different. Fast forward almost 3 years I had surgery and I thought we were already bonded but now its like our bond has gotten a lot stronger. She goes everywhere with me. Before I was working on and off and now I’ve been a stay at home dog and guinea pig mom and my boyfriend works so Maggie and I spend a lot of one on one together and I do literally everything for her while her dad just gets to love on her. I’m truly lucky to be her momma.
I lost my heart dog Harry on Tuesday 💔. I’ve never had a bond like this with a dog, and 12 years, 3 months, and 22 days together weren’t nearly enough. I cried for more than a month before he died, once it became obvious that our time was running short. I’m so broken hearted.
Oh my friend, I am so, so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. I’m glad you came to my blog and left your comment. Remember to take all the time you need to grieve and process the emotions.
Reading these comments has been so helpful and comforting – my heart dog has 1-2 weeks left with me/us (lymphoma), and it is so wonderful to see others put into words what I am feeling. Thank you.
My heart dog was Caesar. He passed with complications from surgery, Feb. 8, 2013, completely unexpected. The next day my next door neighbor, older lady, came over. I opened the door. She said, “I was right you’re one of the lucky ones” (I’m thinking this lady is absolutely nuts) She continued, “You found your heart dog… Everyone has dogs, everyone loves them, everyone is sad when they pass, but some of us are lucky, some of us find that one that can touch our soul. And no one really knows how you feel unless they have found theirs. No matter how much they say they miss their dog, you know the look when you see it”. I’m still thinking she’s insane!!! How could anyone know the pain, the loss, the emptiness, the absolute devastation that I was feeling!!! Through many trials and tribulations, Caesar and I, on more than one occasion saved each other. The helplessness of not being able to save him one last time was almost unbearable, I wanted to go with him… Selfishly, all I could think is who is going to save me now. I was empty…
Me little neighbor lady also told me that I would eventually get another dog (that’s it’s, this lady is certifiably insane, what was she thinking). Lo and behold a few weeks later I was guilted into taking in a rescue. No one thought he would make it. I agreed to take him in…I was going to give him a loving, warm place to spend his last days. He, also a pit bull, was used as a bait dog, his frail little body covered in scars, at 5yrs old – weighed 43lbs, his ideal weight was 80lbs, heartworm positive, pneumonia, ear cut open, eye infection and could barely walk. However, Julian lived another 5 1/2 years, took him a while, but he put on the weight, got his strength back. He fought a hard battle to live, but he won. I am so blessed to have had that beautiful soul in my life. I needed him as much, maybe more, as he needed me… I didn’t know what to expect from him. I believe all he knew if life was pain and suffering. I told him everyday he was the sweetest boy in the world. Absolutely no signs of aggression, worst guard dog ever, lol. When someone came in, he would make his way over and gently put his head on their lap. Never making a sound. He lived another 5 1/2yrs before losing the battle with liver failure.
Now, I get to sound like the crazy lady. Caesar was the love of my life and I knew that when he was here. I told him that all the time. I still mourn for him, it’s a loss like no other. I am not discounting the love people have for each other, but it’s different. Love for a person, love for a dog, like comparing apples and oranges. I also miss Julian, but I was thankful for him and thankful for what I was able to do for him. He left this world knowing what love is on Oct. 14, 2018… It took me a long time to realize my little neighbor lady wasn’t crazy, she was right, or maybe I’m just the crazy lady now. Her closing words to me that day “Dogs are God’s way of showing us that we can love again”.
So, to all of you crazies that have found your heart dog, “You are one of the lucky ones”, keep those words with you!!! We are only crazy in the minds of those that haven’t found theirs. I don’t mind being crazy. I still have his pictures up at my house and my shop. I still cry and grieve for him. He is still always in my thoughts, but all of that is ok. I was lucky, I found mine…
Wow, Kimberly. Thanks for sharing such an incredibly powerful story with us. We are so blessed to have known the love of a canine soulmate. We’re not crazy – God just gave us the opportunity to know what true unconditional love is.
My heart dog is Winnie. I got her following the loss of my dog Teddy, who I thought was my heart dog, but I had no idea the love I could feel for Winnie. She was a 4 month old beagle I rescued and she’s now 3 years old as of September. She’s the sweetest, most affectionate, cuddly dog ever. She loves playing with our other animals, or just getting the zoomies and sprinting in circles around the house. She immediately calms me down when I’m upset. She has some health issues, but to me she’s still perfect.
I’m so happy to hear that you and Winnie found each other! What a blessing!
I don’t feel the term “heart dog” is warm enough to describe my kinship with my little girl, Abby. I knew how special our bond was, I knew it within days of my wife bringing her home 11 years ago and truly, I cherished every day I had with her, savored every moment, while simultaneously agonizing about what I knew the future would ultimately bring one day. It’s been over two weeks since that soul wrenching moment and it’s abundantly clear to me that I wasn’t close to ready for this, nor am I going to be “okay” for a long time. To those of you who still have your wonderful, loving and irreplaceable canine soulmates, don’t waste a moment, enjoy every single second and show them all the love you can because there’s just not enough time. ☹️
My heart is breaking for you. I’m so incredibly sorry to hear about Abby. I agree that “heart dog” isn’t truly enough. Take all the time you need to grieve and feel those emotions. I often stress to people how important it is to create memories with your dog while they are on this earth. Your story reminds me of that. Thank you for sharing. We are thinking about you.
I’m still learning about this whole “heart dog” thing. But atm I think my heart dog is Marley, who belongs to my best friend. I look after her three times a week and every time she’s at my flat, she’s my little shadow, she follows me everywhere, she’s the only dog in my care that’s followed me to the bathroom, she is loyal to me and always lifted my mood when I’m low, and she has helped me a few times in the dark or I loose my best friend in the park, (I’m legally blind) she’ll come up to me and let me follow her back to my friends. It’s like Marley knew I was blind. My own dog Beau doesn’t do any of that. When I’m out with my best friend I always ask to walk Marley instead of Beau 😂.
I have a question about heart dogs. Can you have more than one? Like if Marley died maybe I find another heart dog?
Thanks for sharing that story! I don’t have personal experience with having two heart dogs, but I’m sure it’s possible! Since our lives are so long, and dogs don’t have the same, I do believe some people experience the love of more than one heart dog.
I lost my beautiful little Yorkie at the beginning of December to liver failure she was 13 and half, she had a tough life battling ill health from a pup so to get to 13 and half was amazing, even the vets would comment that’s she’s a miracle to be still here, even on the dreaded day the vet said as I walking in the room I have read Milly’s history and she truly is a miracle. (It was a a locum vet so didn’t know her)
She really was my amazing teeny tiny miracle.
On the 11th of December part of my heart died I miss her so much and have cried buckets I will miss her forever, she wasn’t a dog who was sensitive to my feelings in fact she was the very opposite and I felt there was conditions to her love if that makes sense and if I was ill or upset she never picked up on it, but I still believe she is my heart dog her personality was amazing almost human and extremely funny and very naughty. I lost my first dog 14 years ago and don’t remember it being this hard, my current Yorkie who I rescued 11 years ago follows me everywhere and knows when I sad and really does love me unconditionally I feel it and if people saw how she is with me that she would be my heart dog as much as I love her it feels different if that makes sense, I have never loved a dog as much as I loved my Milly there was something special. I do feel a bad towards her for not loving her the same because she sure does love me.
I am struggling with her loss but I know she would want me to have fun and get on with my life and not just sit around crying for her.
Today is the 1 year anniversary of my heart dog’s passing and I am typing thru tears. I hadn’t heard of the words ‘heart dog’ until recently and as soon as I did everything made perfect sense! I knew from the minute I set eyes on this little puppy, who wasn’t even supposed to be ours, that there was something so incredibly special about her.
We had had another dog (my breed is Old English Sheepdogs) who we lost at 14 1/2 yrs old. I was devastated when we lost her and prayed that one day she would send us another dog she deemed worthy of our love. As fate would have it, not only did she send us one, but two. Lucy and Hannah, sisters, from the same litter. Hannah was never meant to be ours, but she was rejected by a man who had basically adopted her before she was born. He was very specific about what he wanted and when Hannah was born, she checked all of his boxes except one. She was born with Heterochromia (two different colored eyes – one blue and one brown) so he rejected her because of her stunning blue eye. Now she had no ‘furever’ home.
We were then contacted asking if we’d be interested in taking her. Without hesitation we said ‘Yes!’ It was the best decision we ever made! So she and her sister came to live with us. They were like conjoined twins attached at the hip and shoulder. Never apart from one another yet polar opposite in personalities. Somewhere along the way, Hannah became my heart dog. It happened early on, but I didn’t realize it at first. She became my shadow. I couldn’t walk two feet without her glued to my side. She was always 100% tuned into my feelings each and every day. If I was having a bad day she was right there to comfort me. She would literally give me hugs. Stand on her hind legs with her paws on my shoulders and nestle her head against mine. She would sleep curled up next to me all night long, once she wormed her way into our bed. There were times that my husband and I traveled and our pet sitter said she appeared to grieve for me while I was away. She was heartbroken. In hindsight, I think we were each other’s soul mates.
The day after her 8th birthday I thought she had what appeared to be an eye infection. I took her to the vet that day and two hours later I was told they believed she had lymphoma!! We took her to an oncologist where the diagnosis was confirmed. She told us with treatment she may have 7 months. Without treatment, maybe 3-4 weeks. My world came crashing down!! How could this have happened?!! We opted to fight. We fought for time – for us and for her sister, but mostly we fought for her and her love of life and thankfully we did. She fought her battle with complete bravery and dignity and she fought for 19 months!! In and out of remission twice before she just couldn’t fight any longer. When the time came to say goodbye, I laid on the floor next to her holding her and thanked her for being my ‘special girl’ and for all the love she gave to me. When she was gone, I literally had chest pains. Without meaning too, she broke my heart in two.
Our sweet Lucy is still with us and she and I have become much closer. I love her with every fiber of my being, just like I did with Hannah. But Hannah was and will always be my one true heart dog.
Hi Mary. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story with us. I’m in tears after reading it. I can tell that Hannah lived the most amazing life with you. What a blessing that you two found each other! I absolutely love hearing these types of stories, even though it’s never a happy ending. I dread the day I lose my son. It’ll be the worst day of my life, and I fear I won’t recover. Hugs to you. xoxo Amanda
I lost my heart dog suddenly this weekend. I am devastated. However, I find peace in the fact that I knew that she was my soul mate in dog form when she was very young. She was and is everything. My heartaches knowing that I will never feel her cuddles next to me in bed or hear the sound of her snores, barks and whines. She was only 6.5 years old. I am angry that she was taken form me so soon – I wish I had a million more days with her by my side. I know the pain will pass but right now it feels so raw. Those who have experienced the love and closeness of a heart dog are forever changed. Thank you for this post.
To provide even more context to her death I want to include that after she collapsed on a walk I gave her CPR for a minute and was able to resuscitate her. While still kind of weak, she returned back to her seemingly normal self (barking at cars, trying to climb on my lap in the car) while we were on the way to the vet. She had another catastrophic heart failure when she was with the vet techs. I am pained that I was not with her in her final moments. But I KNOW that I was given that extra hour with her –
To pet her and kiss her and tell her she was a good girl. Knowing that my ability to jump into action to give us more time together gives me so much peace.
Hi Valesia, I am so, so sorry to hear about your devastating loss. How extremely tragic. Thank God you were with her. She was absolutely loved in her last moments. My heart is breaking for you. Thanks for sharing your story.
One of the two dogs i currently have is my heart dog. I actually found this page because I randomly cried tonight over how much I love her as she is sleeping next to me. I was googling about dogs being soul mates and stumbled across this. Her name is Gypsy and she’s a german shepherd/boxer mix. I adopted her from the shelter when she was 8 weeks. We instantly connected. she’s slept in bed with me from day 1 and is my shadow. She loves everyone in my family but prefers to be with me. I have another dog which I adore as well but Gypsy is just special to me. I’ve had many dogs growing up and I’m 25 now and can say she is my heart dog, no doubt. If she could live forever I’d be happy never owning another dog ever again.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Arlie was my heart dog. He was my companion and best friend fore 10 1/2 years. I got him as a rescue when he was almost one. He was beautiful, bright, and I knew when I first saw his picture in the paper that I had to have him! His spirit showed through even in a photo. He was the smartest dog I’ve ever known, goofy and fun! He made up games for us to play. He had better communication than many people, did the Husky talk, had very intricate communication skills, a tonal language with different tones for different things and I always knew what he meant, just as he understood me as well! I’ve had 24 dogs and cats, but he was my soulmate in a dog, my perfect dog!
Wow, that is so heartwarming! Thanks for sharing, Kay!
My dog I have now, Tinky is my heart dog. He is 11 now and has Mitral Valve Disease and kidney failure. It’s a balancing act with his meds and I am trying to keep him healthy as possible to have surgery done overseas. It is his only chance to make it and he has to make it.
I had never heard the term “heart dog” but I LOVE it. Tinky is my son, my baby, my world. I have never felt this way about another being. I have always loved animals and they are all special but Tinky is the one. I am crying as I write this and was crying as I read everyone’s responses. Thank you for allowing me to share. ❤️
Diana, I am so sorry to hear about Tinky. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your story! xoxo
I just looked up ‘heart dog’ as one of my 3 children (who has terminal cancer) and me were talking about it because of my beautiful rescue dog, Ruby Tuesday. She has been with us for 4 months now and is the most amazing and beautiful Podenco who was dumped at 7 months on the streets in Spain, and rescued by us. Our whole family’s life has imploded since Skye’s diagnosis and the decision to get another dog was not without worry. However, she has definitely been a gift and I wonder who is really rescuing whom as she gazes deep into my soul, gently licks away my tears, lifts Skye’s spirits and lies curled up constantly at my side purring with joy at being with us!
She has wound her way deep into our hearts and as Skye said today: any other dog she’d have really liked but Ruby is so special she moves your soul and melts your heart. She brings me peace Mam, she’s my therapy dog! I love her so much.
Me and her are bonded in ways I can’t quite comprehend but sense I’m going to be grateful for when grief comes banging on our lives, breaking us apart into a million shards of glass.
I don’t know what brought her to us but I give thanks to the universe for my Ruby Tuesday, my Heart and Soul dog.
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Dianne!
I wrote that almost a year ago… Nothing has changed, my heart still aches for Caesar, the love of my life and it’s going on 8 years being without him…I am so very thankful for the time I had with him…
And of coursei will always miss my sweet boy Julian, but it’s not the same…
That is the perfect name for the relationship I had with my sweet Big. He just passed away 2 days ago and I was on vacation. I rarely go away, but my mom became a widow this year and we needed this. 2 nights again my husband called to say my baby was gone. I have never felt this level of heartbreak. Big was truly my soul mate and my best friend. I don’t see how I will ever be ok again. I am devastated about not being there for him at the end. I know in my heart that he was looking for me. He was a very old boy, but otherwise healthy and his passing was so sudden. I thought he would be the worlds longest living dog because he was so happy all the time just to be with me. I have been sobbing since I got that phone call. I go home today and I don’t know how I’m supposed to even be in my house without my little shadow. The pain is too much
Thanks for this wonderful article Amanda. Like many others I have been searching what it means to have a heart dog or soul mate dog. I knew from the start my Monsi was my soul mate. My partner and I got him too early on in our relationship, in hindsight it was not great timing we did not even live together but decided to get this sweet little brown puppy at the SPCA. He had a silver lining around his eyes that just sparkled and we couldn’t walk away. He brought us closer in our relationship together and we both had this intense bond with him singularly and together as a triad. Its like Monsi knew we were all meant to be together. He was the strongest most beautiful soul I have ever known. Its so reassuring to read others having there “heart dog” or as I like to say my puppy soul mate. He just had to lay his head on me and look into my eyes with his golden brown glow, love radiating within him and through him. Any sad event or crappy day, when he felt my anxiety building he would push into me with all his might and get as close to me as he could and you could just feel the love pouring into your soul. He was a once in a lifetime love… We just lost him a few days ago very suddenly and very abruptly. We don’t know if we can ever fill that hole, but again even in his death he has brought me closer to my partner and guiding us even in the spirit world to love stronger, live purely and be better then we were last time.
Thank you to everyone who has shared there stories here, I hope it continues so it can bring peace to others who may be questioning the same thing.
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Jenny. What a blessing that you and Monsi had each other!
My heart dog is My Teddy. He passed away 13 weeks today. I knew he was my heart dog and cherished our bond. He was a german shepherd my dream dog. He lived to be 10 years old not nearly enough. The way he left will forever be on my mind. It plays in my head consistently. I miss him so much. Teddy became disabled a little over a year ago. I got him a wheelchair to walk around. He had DM. With DM it took his ability to pee on his own. I set my life around taking care of him. We had a routine and we stuck with it everyday. The day I put him to sleep I felt him leave. My heart is broken and it was and is still so hard to breath sometimes. I have no children my dogs are my childern. I’m also a paranormal investigator and have many friends who are pyschics. I spoke with Teddy/spirit guides and got some answers I needed. I know he is still with me and the crazy , funny, amazing thing is he sends me hearts. I always told him you’re my heart dog. You’re my world. I miss him so much. Going through these holidays without him has been extremely hard. I will cherish our bond for the rest of my life and will meet him, his brother Bear and many others who have passed again someday. I absolutely can’t wait to be bulldozed over by his sweet face again.
Thanks for sharing your story, Tammy. I can relate to your gift of being able to communicate with the other side. I am with you. xoxo Bless Teddy and his memory!
I just lost my heart dog on Monday. He was the love of my life. I always called him my soul dog. I just heard the term heart dog by a grief counselor today. I miss him soo much. I was soo in love with him and I knew it many year’s ago. I had had him from a puppy and he died at 14.5 yo.
Addy, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Thank you for being brave enough to share. xoxo
I couldn’t sleep and was crying all night thinking of my two year old Labrador puppy Coco who died few weeks ago due to complications of autoimmune disease drugs. He had a severe heart defect since birth which he was managing so well with medications. A wrong medication prescribed by one of the Vets triggered autoimmune issues at six months of age. He was such a fighter. And until four days before his death,he was managing well… I still miss his sweet face, innocent eyes, his happy tail wags. He was so smart and intelligent. I have always had dogs growing up and have loved them.. but after going through multiple miscarriages, Coco was my only baby… now that he’s gone, I’m not sure how to go on… but I do know this bond was special.. and if there’s an afterlife, we will see each other again
My heart dog’s name was Stevie and I only knew him for two months. I’ve had many pets and loved them all, but With Stevie it was love at first sight for both of us. He slept with me every night after adoption, he would choose my lap over his cozy spot by the fire, and I was able to teach him all kinds of tricks in the space of a couple of weeks.
He somehow got loose and got hit by a car last Wednesday, and the depth of grief has been breathtaking. I was supposed to have years and years with him, and I only got to have him for 63 days….the best 63 days of my life. How he managed to leave a mark so profound in such a short time is dizzying.
My sweet Jackaroo just passed yesterday. My fiancé and I made that impossible decision because of his pain and poor broken body. Jackaroo was my heart and soul. He was 13 1/2 years old. I brought him home at 6 weeks and had no doubt he chose me. I am a nurse. Jack was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia at 5 months old. All 5 of his litter mates were euthanized but he was my heart. He had surgery on the left side which allowed him to be a fun, crazy, loving sweet kind chocolate lab. We had the time of our lives. My home was built 11 years ago. I’ve never lived here without Jackaroo and I don’t know how I am going to now. He is everywhere. He was the butter to my bread. He was never away from his home. If I couldn’t take him with me then my family stayed with him. I cared for him and he cared for me. He followed me everywhere all the time and I followed him. Jackaroo passed at home on his favorite couch in my arms. I felt his last heartbeat and heard his last breath. It was a peaceful, fulfilling experience because my heart could rest knowing my sweet boy was out of pain. I loved him so much that I could let him go even though I am broken inside. If that isn’t a heart dog, I don’t know what is. My fiancé said we were more like spouses, the way we were connected and looked at each other and even bickered. Lol. Jackaroo is still here but it is so hard for me cause I can’t kiss him and hug him and hold him. He was my big giant love bug. I will never find another like him and I don’t want to….I just want my Jackaroo. I hope he returns to me someday. If not we will meet at the Rainbow Bridge and he will jump into my arms forever!
I am so grateful to have found this page. Saturday 2/20 at 11:12am, I had to say goodbye to my heart dog Scotchie. 💔 She brought us so much love, laughter and joy over the last 14 years. She was the best friend anyone could ever wish for. Brave, courageous, devoted, mischievous, stubborn, classy, fun, loving and incredibly loyal. Everything a terrier (Cairn) should be! I’ve never had a pup who was so in tune to my feelings and emotions. 🐶 She was truly an extension of me. She knew exactly what I needed no matter what was happening in my life. With just a simple glance, she’d adjust her mood to fit my needs. The truth is she actually picked me at the breeders home in Oregon after 4.5 hours of being undecided between she and her sister. At the 5th hour she jumped on the top of the pet carrier I brought along with me, cocked her head and looked right up at me. I knew then she was the one. And since that day, Scotchie did everything to show me why she wanted to be part of our pack. Truly a wonderful companion and amazing first dog for my daughter. My heart is truly broken but I’m incredibly grateful for my time with her. After being diagnosed with cancer 3 months ago, she let me know when it was time to let her go and I was brave enough to do it before she suffered too much. She left us peacefully today in her home (with the vets assistance) on her very favorite spot on the couch. I’m grateful to vets that will still do house calls. Thank you for everything my dear sweet puppy friend…. you were always one “bad ass pup.” Until we meet again….💕 Scotchie 2007 – 2021
Two days ago I said goodbye to my sweet Charlie Brown. Charlie was a rescue Akita and would have turned 13 this May. I had never heard of the term heart dog until today when through fits of crying my dad mentioned to me that Charlie was my heart dog.
He was with me through transformative years of my life, from ages 12-25. Although I always loved to pet and snuggle him, our inseparable bond did not really begin to develop until I moved back home after college. I would be anxious to get hone from being out with friends or away for a weekend so I could return to cuddle with my sweet boy (despite being 110 lbs he was always the little spoon).
What saddens me is that Charlie had a bit of a bad rep for most of his life. Before we got Winnie, we had Daisy Mae. One night, they both got out (Daisy was a runner and the alpha at this time). Poor Daisy was hit on the highway, but by some miracle Charlie survived. However he was changed after this incident. He was depressed until we got Winnie and he became highly protective of our family. If you were not someone who regularly came to our house, the hair on his back would stand on end. Until college we had to always have the dogs on the porch unless they were of the select few he remembered pre Daisy’s passing. This always broke my heart because he was such a love bug and I hated that people were afraid of him or thought he was a bad dog.
In the last 4 years of his life especially, he was the biggest marshmallow. He was constantly showering you with kisses, and the best cuddler there is. He made the first few confusing years of adulthood in the “real world” easier and enjoyable.
He truly was the best part about living at home.
Unfortunately, we lost him to a battle with Osteosarcoma, as we did not want it to get to a point where something traumatic would happen. In the span of a year, a barely noticeable bump had caused his paw to be 2x the size of the other. He wore diapers the past year, but I didn’t mind changing him. The singular blessing COVID gave me was the ability to take good care of my baby boy, giving him the love and attention he needed.
I am debating getting a very small tattoo in a concealed place to commemorate him. My mother worries I will regret it in the future as I will have other dogs in my life. I will have other dogs as I love all dogs, but I can feel it in my gut that my bind with Charlie is different, it was special. Although I am young, I believe he was and will always be my heart dog.
My heart dog is Bailey a miniature golden doodle. He is 1.5 years old. He saved me from severe depression after my Dad died. I didn’t want to go outside or enjoy life anymore when I met him. He got me smiling and playing again. At 5 months old, he was sleeping with his head on my pillow and I woke up and heard stridor breathing sounds from him. I am a medical provider and was immediately concerned about an obstruction. I took him go the hospital and insisted on a scope. He had a tumor in the curve of his trachea. I was completely devastated and needed to save him at any cost. I was lucky to have gone to a vet hospital with a cardiothoracic surgeon who wanted to attempt to remove it and suture back his trachea. I cuddled him until the last second before surgery and told him to fight. He survived and healed well. He was officially diagnosed with an osteochondroma after a biopsy from the tumor removed from his trachea. We are completely inseparable now. He saved me and I saved him. I cherish every single day with him and I hope he has a long life. I think dogs and humans have such a great ability to heal each other. I am thankful I found him!!
Just lost my heart dog this morning. This term completely defines our relationship. Montana was an 85 lbs male Bernese Mountain Dog who did everything with us. Came to work every day, ride in cars, boats, even airplanes. I truly believe I have never had a closer canine companion. He loved everyone and everything. Cuddled in bed in the morning and every night. I miss you buddy.
My heart dog was a Dachshund named Bella. We lost her in October. She was special and she taught me so much about life and love. We had an incredible bond and I miss her so much it hurts. She was so loved.
Henry is my one and only heart dog! He is a rescue and nine years old now. He sleeps with me too!
When I read this I immediately started crying thinking of my heart dog too. Mine is also a chihuahua (long haired) Peanut. I have never connected with a dog like this before and I am so grateful to have him in my life and am already upset just thinking about him leaving this earth and he is only 5 1/2. Ugh! Still crying right now. So I totally get this phrase. I had no idea that someone else thought this way. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in how I feel about my little guy. Thanks for sharing! You
My heart dog is a stray dog from Romania who i saved 3 years ago
I still live with my parents and sister but from the moment we got him he immediately connected with me and only me.
Even now he only listens to me, whether it be barking or begging for food.
I have major panic attacks (mostly at night) and somehow he can sense them right before they happen and actually calms me down at that exact moment when im having them.
I’ve never felt connected to someone as strongly as i feel connected with this dog.
We can read each other’s minds just by making eye contact.
Im so thankful to have him by my side
I currently have my heart dog. I rescued her from Texas and brought her to Canada in November 2020. She has changed my life indefinitely 💕 I had my heart bunny, she passed after 7 years from cancer and I will never have another as I will never be able to provide the same unconditional love. It’s so special to have such an incredible bond with an animal.
I just heard about this term a few days ago and would absolutely call my Tux my heart dog. He was a shelter dog that rescued me back in 2016. He had such a gentle soul. When I moved from Texas to New York, he didn’t handle the move very well so my mom took him back home to Texas till I could move into a quieter apartment (he had severe noise anxiety and I lived on a Main Street with lots of noise at all hours of the night). A couple of months after the move, we found out he had an aggressive lymphoma and only had a 5% chance of living, if everything went perfectly. I didn’t have money so we decided to keep him on steroids to help him manage the pain, but when my mom brought him back to me about two weeks after he’d been diagnosed, the lymphoma was already taking him over so badly that he couldn’t even be lying down on the bed without wincing in pain. So I decided I wouldn’t let him suffer and we put him to sleep. I got his paw print tattooed on my arm and wear the necklace with his ashes every day. I’ve had dogs my whole life, and I’ve loved every single one of them, but the relationship I had with Tux was so different than my relationship with my other dogs. I still have moments on his birthday, his family-versary, and the anniversary of his death (today, October 19, in fact) that I want to cry cause I miss him so badly. I have Charlie now, whom I love dearly, but my relationship with him, while great and amazing, feels different than what I had with Tux. I wish I’d known our time would be so short, I would’ve cherished those times together so much more.
My first heart dog was Luna, my miniature schnauzer. She was the cutest, most loving dog ever. I lost her to kidney failure.
A few years later I adopted a”mutt” who was rescued from a dog fighting ring. It was love at first site for me. It took a bit of time to get him to trust me though! That was in 2015.
Today I had to send my good boy to join his cat sister in heaven. It broke my heart into a million pieces.
The love for my pets is strong and wonderful and heartfelt. Someday I will see them all and I, for one, can’t wait to hug them again.
Luna, Bailey, and Beau, I love you and miss you and can’t wait to see you again!!!
I have had the good fortune to have two heart dogs in my life. Samantha was with me for 10 and a half of her 11 years and died of cancer in the jaw nearly thirty years ago. I had another dog after her who lived 15 years with me named Zachary. I loved him but he was not a heart dog. Bogart was my second heart dog and he passed away in July of this year after we fought his heart issues and other health concerns for 6 and half of his fourteen years. He was with me for 12 and a half of those years. I miss him and although I know i will eventually get another dog I will always miss him. He died peacefully in my arms after we exhausted all ways to help him. He was a rescue Bichonpoo. He was my constant companion and we saw each other through many trials and tribulations. I know it was the right thing to do when I put him to sleep because i didnt want him to suffer. He is resting in peace and hopefully playing with Samantha and Zach. I know i have been blessed to have had three great dogs and two of them were heart dogs! Each dog came along at just the right time in my life and i am eternally grateful to have been blessed with the two heart dogs separated in time by fifteen years with a sweet non heart dog between them. Everyone should be so lucky!
Thank you for sharing, Rose! xoxo
My Meeko is my Heart Dog. The only place that he doesn’t go with me is to work. Other than that he goes everywhere with me. He even loves to ride on my motorcycles with me. Never in my life did I think a little dog could bring me so much happiness and joy but here we are. If I can choose my eternal afterlife I hope that I can spend it with Meeko.
My heart dog was Alex, a 100 lb Belgian Malinois that we found in the desert 14 1/2 years ago. He was about 6 months at the time, had apparently been dumped. Couldn’t find an owner; we adopted him & raised him with Roxy, a Dalmatian Pit mix, another rescue for 14 years. They were great companions. I’ve had big dogs, mostly rescue most of my life, but none connected like Alex to me. He followed me everywhere, always right at my feet. There is no question he was my Heart Dog, a soul mate.
Roxy died in 2020, almost 15. 3 months later we adopted another rescue, Rhea, a German Shepard mix, thinking Alex was lonely. Alex was not crazy about her, but tolerated her.
Alex’s back legs started going out. He was 14. I spent as much time as possible with him. He continued to follow me everywhere dragging himself up 15 stairs to sleep in same room with me until he could no longer walk.
We tried everything – in home vet, massive supplements, meds, acupuncture, physical therapy, to see if anything would help. He turned 15 this month, and unfortunately could no longer walk. We wanted to know we tried everything for him, and had to make that final decision 2 weeks ago. He passed peacefully to the Rainbow Bridge on November 7th. My heart aches so, but the quality of his life got so bad, we had to let him go.
I’ve been touched deeply by my Heart Dog, beloved Alex.
Layla, my 8 year old Staffordshire Terrier is my heart dog. I rescued her from a kill shelter where she had 4 days left to live. I had went to the shelter for a different dog but as I looked around, I found her. Sitting in a cage by herself, it was like love at first sight. She stopped barking the moment I laid eyes on her and I could see, in that moment, that she was going to be my best friend. Growing up, I was estranged from my family and never had a connection with anyone before. I always felt so alone. The day Layla pattered into my life I didn’t feel alone anymore. I knew she would always be there to make me smile. They say the owner takes care of the dog, but I believe Layla takes care of me <3
My heart dog was my soulmate. I know it. We got her when I was about 7. I’m 21 now and she recently passed due to cancer. I’ve never experienced any relationship in my life that even comes close to the one I had with her. She was her own being, full of personality, not like any other dog and she was my best friend. I’ve had dreams about her every single night since the day she’s passed. I’m a dog lover so I would like to have dogs in the future but every time I think of it I feel bad because I know I will never love another dog to the extent I did with her <3
I lost my little Lily July 29th. She was a tiny pomeranian, 5 pounds and was 11 years old.
Lily hated to be held or sit with me. She ran away when I would try to pick her up, but would sit or stand next to me so I could pet her. The only time she let me hold her was when I had a group of friends over. After a couple of hours, she insisted I hold her. I loved it.
She was bossy and demanding but I loved that little girl more than any other dog I’ve had. Although she wouldn’t let me hold her, she would lay in her bed and stare at me. When we made eye contact I felt a rush of love that I had never felt with another animal or human. I can’t put the feeling into words.
She died a sudden, horrible death and was terrified. I could feel it. She had a pulmonary embolism and died within 20 minutes.
I’ve lost many pets and more people than many I know but none of their deaths affected me like hers.
I feel as if I literally lost a piece of myself when she died and cried for months until I made myself snap out of it. I cry whenever I think of her, the way I felt whenever she was around and the pain of her traumatic death.
It took me this long to realize but I’m certain she was a soul mate and she did take part of me with her.
My heart breaks for you. Hugs. xoxo
Thank you for this lovely post, and such a wonderful safe space for others to share about their heart dogs. Our heart dog was Banksy. There were never going to be enough days with him. http://www.svbanksy.com/2021/11/naming-sv-banksy.html
I’m grieving my heart dog now. An unexpected lymphoma diagnoses in her liver and 2 weeks later, she was ready to cross the rainbow bridge. I’m beyond devastated. She was there when we got engaged, she was in our wedding, and when I gave birth to my daughter, she became a little mama bear. It was incredible to witness just how in tune she was with my emotions over the years and how she helped me through the postpartum emotional rollercoaster. She was only 8, I thought she’d get to see my daughter go to kindergarten at least, so I’m just shattered. My sweet Blueberry was my heart dog for sure❤️
My soul dogs name is MalaGueta, I am writing this on her 3rd birthday . I adopted her 2 years and 3 months ago. Now I have had dogs growing up my whole life *i’m 22* but she is something special. When she came into my life I was at a very low place , she had such bad anxiety and was so scared the next morning she was growling and trying too bite us, she was terrified, I sat outside her kennel with the door open , showing her that it was okay too come out , I didn’t rush her , I just sat there with her , just talking too her , looking her in the eyes with such love and compassion, in that moment we became one , she came out of the kennel and just came and sat in my lap. Since that moment we do everything together, I have another dog who I absolutely love and need in my life , but I love Mala differently, it’s almost as if I was half of myself this whole time until I met her. I have both of my dogs tattooed on me, my boyfriend tells me , my room looks like a shrine too them , but I just love them . Every dog is different like us , and I truly do believe that each of us get our own soul dog . We saved eachother and we grow everyday with each other , having a best friend who motivates you so much , who you would do anything for , I believe we all get that at least once in our lifetime.
My heart-dog, Strider, passed away on 2/6/22. He was almost 11 years old. He got ill very quickly. A tumor was found in his small-intestine. We had it removed. However, it did not heal him. The doctors believe that he most likely had bone cancer that traveled or an autoimmune disease. We discussed transfusions, but it would’ve maybe given him a little more time, but the quality of his life would not have been good. Letting Strider go so that he didn’t have to suffer anymore was the hardest decision that I ever had to make. I hurt deeply and there is a hole in my heart. I cry everyday. This pain is to the core. 😭
Strider was my companion. He was my baby boy and my daughter’s fur brother. 💙 My husband and my first baby. He was my calm. He provided me with unconditional love and comfort. We understood each other. He had the kindest soul and you could see it by looking into his deep brown, soulful eyes. He loved snuggling, chasing squirrels (and skunks lol), and sitting in chairs. He also loved eating tissues and money lol. Whether Strider was at our camper, at home, his grandparents’ house, or at a restaurant, he could always be seen sitting tall in a chair. If he didn’t have his own chair, he would steal someone else’s chair as soon as he/she got up. People were always amazed at how human-like he was.
He was such a chill boy (unless there was food to be stolen or dogs to greet). He always stayed by my side on the days that I worked from home and I would joke that he was my secretary. He would make it known if he wanted attention by giving one deep bark, pushing a door back and forth or tipping over trash cans in the bathrooms. He was such a clever boy. He loved going out on the canoe with my husband and sleeping in the sun. When he was younger, he was my running companion. Although he liked running when he was younger, Strider really enjoyed a leisurely walk where he could greet everyone and sniff everything.
I know that Strider went over the rainbow bridge. God received the best companion in the whole world. 🌈💙